Palace readies state funeral for Robredo

By RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) - Malacañang is now preparing a state funeral for the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Executive Secretary Paquino Ochoa signed Memorandum Circular 36 creating a committee to prepare for the official honors and state funeral for Robredo. The committee will be chaired by the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO).

“Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa has assigned the PCDSPO to chair the meetings of the committee. Its task will be to make all the necessary arrangements for the official honors and state funeral for the late Jesse M. Robredo, in keeping with protocol, our laws, and the wishes of the bereaved family,” Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

This committee will have representatives from the DILG, Office of the Presidential Spokesperson, PCDSPO, Presidential Appointments Office, AFP, PNP, PSG, Office of Presidential Protocol, Malacañang Social Office, and the city government of Naga.

Malacañang said it will update the public on developments, including plans to bring Robredo’s body to Manila.

PCDSPO Secretary Ramon Carandang said the details will be announced tonight.

Robredo's body will be brought to the Archbishop's Palace in Naga City at 11 p.m. Tuesday. The wake will be opened to the public on Wednesday. - with Dennis Datu, dzMM